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Definitions
Trivia Time
The word enthusiasm comes from a Greek root meaning what?

enthusiasm

[en-thoo-zee-az-uhm] / ɛnˈθu ziˌæz əm /
NOUN
keen interest, excitement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ardor devotion eagerness emotion energy feeling fervor frenzy fury intensity interest joy passion spirit warmth zeal
STRONG
activity avidity conviction craze dash earnestness ecstasy exhilaration fad fanaticism fever fieriness fire flame flare gaiety glow go heat hilarity hobby impetuosity joyfulness keenness life mania mirth nerve oomph orgasm pep rapture relish snap transport vehemence verve vim vivacity zest
WEAK
ardency red heat zealousness élan
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathy calm calmness coolness disinterest inactivity indifference laziness lethargy peace
STRONG
depression dislike dullness frigidity hate hatred lifelessness sadness unhappiness
WEAK
aloofness coldness doubt pessimism weariness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for enthusiasm?
Enthusiasm is lively interest or eagerness. Similar words are keenness and avidity, but their adjective forms are much more common: keen and avid (which are both synonyms for the adjective enthusiastic). To show enthusiasm about something is often to show excitement about it. In the context of enthusiasm for a topic, interest, or endeavor, even stronger words are passion and zeal. A more formal word is ardor. Someone who is considered to have too much enthusiasm for something might be described as overenthusiastic or overzealous. Such a person’s enthusiasm might be called obsessed. In a more colloquial sense, you might be a bit much.
What is the opposite (antonym) of enthusiasm?
The opposite of enthusiasm is a lack of enthusiasm. Someone or something that lacks enthusiasm can be described as unenthusiastic. There are a few terms that capture the same idea, including indifference, disinterest, and lack of interest.  Words that not only imply a lack of enthusiasm about something but also negativity toward it include aversion and disdain.
How do you use enthusiasm in a sentence?
Enthusiasm is a common word that’s used in a variety of contexts. Here are some examples of enthusiasm in a sentence:
  • The opening of the new restaurant was greeted with great enthusiasm.
  • I knew Dave was having a bad day when he didn’t have his usual enthusiasm at band practice.
  • Her false enthusiasm was very off-putting.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

When she took the stage, Nixon was met with a wave of enthusiasm whose energy she matched.

From Salon ● Oct. 21, 2026

Teacher Joanna Stelmaszczyk said there was "so much excitement" when the video was shown and recalled similar enthusiasm when pupils watched Peake's historic arrival at the International Space Station in 2015.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026

SpaceX’s results and a surprise update from the AI server maker Super Micro have helped to restore some enthusiasm to the artificial-intelligence trade on Wall Street after last week’s tech wreck.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2026

As comfortable as their shelters were, after two hours underground, the all-clear signal was met with a wave of enthusiasm.

From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026

His ability to be totally focused on something, to be committed with determination and enthusiasm, made him a leader.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing enthusiasm

Emotions on Display

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"The Drummer Boy of Shiloh"

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"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 9

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